Taking a new car to a gas station car wash can be tempting for convenience, but it's generally not advisable for a few reasons:

1. Potential for Scratches:

• Many gas station car washes use automated brushes that may be abrasive and can lead to scratches or swirl marks on the paint.

2. Quality of Cleaning:

• These washes often prioritize speed over thoroughness, potentially missing dirt in hard-to-reach areas or using subpar cleaning products.

3. Protective Coatings:

• If your new car has a ceramic coating or wax, some harsh soaps or chemicals used in gas station washes may degrade that protection.

4. Touchless Options:

• While touchless washes are less likely to scratch, they may not provide the same level of cleaning, especially for tough grime.

Recommendations

• Hand Wash: Consider hand washing or using a reputable detailing service for your new car, especially in the first few months.
• Gentle Automated Washes: If you opt for a car wash, look for ones that use soft cloths or are specifically designed for delicate finishes.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly wash and maintain your new car to keep it looking great and protect the finish.

In summary, while it might be convenient, it's better to choose a more gentle washing method to protect your new car's paint.

It's “safe” but it's not wise. Drive-thru car washes scratch paint. The scratches are subtle, and you might not notice them unless the light catches it from certain angles, but it absolutely does, yes, scratch the paint.

Is it okay to wash a brand new car?
The best type of car wash for a new car is one that is gentle and won't cause any damage to the delicate paint finish. Touchless car washes, which use high-pressure water and gentle soaps, are a great option.